Education K-12 Curriculum Development & Standards

Question 1

What does 'backward design' mean in curriculum planning?

Accepted Answer

Beginning with desired learning outcomes and then planning instruction

Answer

Backward design (Wiggins & McTighe) starts with the end goal and works backward to plan assessments and instruction.

Question 2

What are the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)?

Accepted Answer

Shared academic expectations in ELA and math adopted voluntarily by most US states

Answer

CCSS define what students should know in ELA and math at each grade level; adoption is voluntary but widespread.

Question 3

What is a 'scope and sequence' in curriculum design?

Accepted Answer

An outline of what will be taught and in what order across grade levels

Answer

Scope and sequence maps the breadth of content (scope) and the order in which it will be taught (sequence).

Question 4

What is the purpose of a pacing guide in K-12 education?

Accepted Answer

To help teachers allocate instructional time across the year to cover required standards

Answer

A pacing guide outlines a timeline for teaching specific standards or units throughout the school year.

Question 5

Which federal law established annual testing requirements and accountability for K-12 schools?

Accepted Answer

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Answer

ESSA (2015) replaced No Child Left Behind, maintaining annual testing requirements while giving states more accountability control.

Education K-12 Practice Test